Smoking Tips
WATER: Keeping the water bowl as full as possible will be advantageous to your smoking experience. Water will help
to keep the temperature in the smoker from rising too much and make it easier to control the temperature (cold water
will bring the temperature down more than hot water). And as the water evaporates and turns to steam, it will help
keep food from drying out.
WOOD CHIPS/CHUNKS: Many different kinds of wood chips or chunks can be used in the smoker. Whether they are
presoaked or dry, Hickory or Applewood, wood chips or wood chunks, each will give you a different smoking
experience. Wood chunks will last longer than wood chips but may take longer to start smoking. The same goes for
presoaked wood chips/chunks that will last longer than dry wood chips/chunks. Different flavored wood chips/
chunks will go better with different types of food. For example, some people enjoy using Applewood while smoking
salmon because fruit woods have a lighter/sweeter smoky taste.
AIR VENTS: Air vents will help regulate temperature and smoke production. Adjusting air vents will lower or raise air
temperature as needed. Keep in mind that the smoker’s position in relation to the wind (especially on a windy day)
will affect the temperature of the smoker.
MAINTENANCE: The interior of your smoker will get a thin browned coating from the smoking process. This coating
will help to seal and protect the smoker. Hot soapy water can be used to clean the cooking racks, water bowl, and
base unit. Do not use abrasive materials because they will damage the finish of the smoker. If possible (when not in
use), keep the smoker stored under cover or in a garage.
MISCELLANEOUS:
• Keep in mind that every time you open up your smoker, you’re letting out smoke and letting out heat. This will add
time to your smoke, so only check on your food when it needs to be done.
• Smoking meats will often give them a pink color and make it seem like the food is done before it’s time. The best
way to know whether or not the food is finished cooking is by using a meat thermometer.
• Use barbecue mitts or grilling tools to adjust vents, water bowl, and cooking racks.
• Each cooking rack can be used at the same time. Keep in mind that the varying amounts of food will affect the
internal smoker temperature.
Meat Temperature Guide
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Beef & Lamb Pork
Rare 125°F (52°C) + 3 minute rest Rare N/A
Medium rare 130°F-135°F (54°C-57°C) Medium rare 145°F (63°C) + 3 minutes rest
Medium 135°F-140°F (57°C-60°C) Medium 150°F (66°C)
Medium well 140°F-150°F (60°C-66°C) Medium well N/A
Well done 155°F (68°C)+ Well done 160°F (71°C)
Ground 160°F (71°C) Ground 160°F (71°C)
*USDA SAFE MINIMUM (NON-GROUND)-145°F (63°C) *USDA SAFE MINIMUM (NON-GROUND)-145°F (63°C)
Chicken & Turkey Fish and Shellfish
Whole 165°F (74°C) Rare N/A
Part 165°F (74°C) Medium rare N/A
Stuffed 165°F (74°C) Medium N/A
Ground 165°F (74°C) Medium well N/A
Well done (All Fish) 145°F (63°C)
Ground N/A
*USDA SAFE MINIMUM-165°F (74°C) *USDA SAFE MINIMUM-145°F (63°C)